Wheeler Dickerson – Patient Story

Problem: Knee injury from a tackle, sidelining Wheeler for the season.
Treatment: Allograft ACL reconstruction and physical therapy
Result: Back to playing football for his senior year and shooting for a college football scholarship


WheelerWheeler Dickerson is your all-around competitive athlete who wants to see his team finish on top.

His team, Lauderdale County High, was competing in the first round of football playoffs last fall against Sylvania when, during the third quarter, his knee rolled and popped in the middle of a tackle. Wheeler, feeling defeated and frustrated, came off the field and didn’t return for the rest of the game. The athletic trainer checked his knee. His knee didn’t feel loose; however, it was starting to swell.

Lauderdale County won the game that night, securing their spot in the second round of playoffs. Wheeler wasn’t going to miss this opportunity; he rallied and played in the next game. Unfortunately, Wheeler’s knee was no better.

During Wheeler’s freshman year of high school, he had a torn labrum that required surgery. Dr. Bill Lawrence performed this surgery and “did an amazing job,” according to Wheeler. “When I messed up my knee I knew I was going back to Dr. Lawrence because he had done so well with my shoulder.”

Wheeler immediately knew he would be paying Dr. Lawrence a visit after his knee injury. Dr. Lawrence ordered an MRI, where they learned Wheeler’s ACL was in fact torn.

Wheeler had the Allograft ACL reconstruction done in February. His surgery was very successful.

After Wheeler’s surgery, he completed physical therapy. He is back to playing football for his senior year and shooting for a football scholarship for college. He is hoping the make it to the playoffs again this year.

“Dr. Lawrence is such a good guy in general. He’s a good guy to talk to even when you don’t have an injury. He’s friendly, makes you feel comfortable, and takes care of you in general. I have had two surgeries with Dr. Lawrence—and will always recommend him.”


Bill Lawrence, DO | The Orthopaedic Center | Athens, AL

Dr. Bill Lawrence practices general orthopaedics and focuses his practice on Total Joint Replacement, Sports Medicine, and Hand Procedures. Dr. Lawrence is part of the TOC Athens Sports Medicine team.  He sees patients in Athens, Madison, and Florence.

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